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CNET Editors' Rating

The GoodDespite an ultralow price, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 turntable features a built-in phono preamplifier, a user-replaceable stylus, and fully automatic operation. It plays 7- and 12-inch records with precision and verve.

The BadThe built-in phono cartridge is fixed and cannot be changed or upgraded.

The Bottom LineWith its impressive performance, easy operation, and unbeatable price, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is the ideal turntable for anyone looking to get into vinyl.

8.0 Overall

Design8.0

Features9.0

Sound quality7.0

Value8.0

Review Sections

The vinyl revival may be in full swing, but Audio-Technica isn't a newcomer to the party -- the company has been making phono cartridges for more than 50 years. The company's AT-LP60 is a fully featured turntable, and includes a premounted phono cartridge, a built-in phono preamplifier, a metal platter, and a clear plastic dust cover. And it does all that at a street price of just $100 in the US and £140 in the UK (There's no official price or availability information for Australian customers as yet, but a rough conversion of the US price translates to about AU$108).

Not that you'll find it for that money in Australia -- until the LP60 gets an official release, the online asking price can be as high as AU$300.

Using the built-in phono preamp, you can hook the turntable's line-level outputs up to an integrated stereo amplifier, AV receiver, computer, boombox, Bluetooth speaker, or any device with an analog audio input. (By contrast, most turntables offer only preamp-level phono outputs, which require a dedicated phono amplifier or high-end AV receiver.) Based on the budget price tag and super simple operation, the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is ideal for folks just starting to get into vinyl or for baby boomers getting reacquainted with their LP collections.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Design and features

The AT-LP60 is a belt-drive turntable, the same drive system used by the vast majority of audiophile turntables. Belt-drive means the turntable's motor pulley spins the platter with a rubber "belt," which means it's not suitable for DJ use where fast start and back-cuing is required. The AT-LP60 is a little more compact than most turntables at 14 inches (36 cm) square by 3.8 inches (10 cm) high and 6.6 pounds (3 kg).

The rear panel has a small switch that lets you select either the built-in phono preamplifier (and thus, line-level output that's universally compatible with audio-in jacks) or a higher quality, external preamp you can add later.

The turntable's output is limited to a hardwired 24-inch-long cable terminated to a set of stereo RCA plugs. Of course, you can get a cheap RCA-to-3.5 mm adapter, which would provide the ability to plug into nearly any boombox, portable speaker, or stereo system -- anything with a line-in port.

After putting it all together, just put the metal platter on the turntable, reach through the hole on the top of the platter to pull the rubber belt over the motor pulley, put the felt mat on the platter, slide off the small plastic piece protecting the cartridge, and you'll be ready to start playing records. For your convenience, the company has preset the tonearm's counterweight and set the stylus tracking force.

One side of the felt mat that covers the metal platter spells out "Audio Technica," but you can flip the mat over and just have a plain black mat. The well-written, easy-to-understand owner's manual makes the setup process painless -- even neophytes can have the AT-LP60 up and running in a few minutes.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The AT-LP60's front panel has four buttons: Speed, (you select 45 or 33-1/3rpm ), Start, Stop, and Cue. The Cue button raises and lowers the tonearm onto the record, and that's especially useful for buyers with unsteady hands, or if you can't see what you're doing. The top surface of the AP-LP60 has a lever that selects 7- or 12-inch records. Most 45rpm singles are 7 inches in diameter, and they have a larger center hole than LPs, so Audio-Technica includes a 45 adapter disc you place over the turntable spindle to play 45s; LPs are 12 inches in diameter. If you just play LPs, you'll never fuss with the Speed or Size controls, but if you play LPs and 45s, just remember to set the corresponding controls.

Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Home Theater, Inner Fidelity, Tone Audio, and Stereophile.
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